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State by State with the State: An Uninformed, Poorly Researched Guide to the US

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From a popular comedy troupe that found fame with a stint on MTV comes for the first time a printed version of its irreverent, topical, and odd-ball humor in the form of a mock travel guide covering all fifty states in America.

288 pages, Paperback

First published April 1, 1997

9 people are currently reading
217 people want to read

About the author

The State

8 books2 followers
The State is a sketch comedy group.

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5 stars
125 (52%)
4 stars
67 (27%)
3 stars
33 (13%)
2 stars
13 (5%)
1 star
2 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
Profile Image for dirt.
348 reviews26 followers
September 24, 2008
Everything I know about the United States I learned from reading this book.
Profile Image for Dave DeCastris.
14 reviews2 followers
January 8, 2015
The greatest book ever written by a collective of people. Better than the first edition bible and all of their writers. I learned more about American history, my feelings, romance, politics, religion, cars, food, cooking, health and fitness, how to write, make some love, thrill ladies and how to tell a good story (regardless of facts) from this book than from all 16 years of my overrated education. God mode.
Profile Image for Ari.
26 reviews4 followers
December 3, 2007
I was first introduced to The State when I was nine or ten by my babysitter. I know it was akward for my parents when at the dinner table I proclaimed that I wanted to dip my balls in the tomato sauce. Anyway this book is hilarious, if you dig that kind of humor. Also theres a hidden satanic message. It doesn't get any better than that.
Profile Image for Kevin Catarino.
26 reviews
July 31, 2008
Every bit as epic as I had hoped. I've read it a thousand times and it is still hilarious. It's hard to find but if you're a fan of the TV show (or Reno 911 for that matter) you must hunt it down. Comedy books can be hit or miss (Jon Stewart's and Bill Maher's come to mind) but this one delivers on all levels.
Profile Image for Andrew.
82 reviews11 followers
August 28, 2009
I love this book. I have read (which is not a good word to describe the experience of going through this mock-travelogue) it about 30 times in the last 12 years or so since it came out. It's so bizarre, so inspired, and finds the gang doing what they do best.
Profile Image for Kate.
8 reviews
Read
April 26, 2010
rhode island is the only state that is entirely carpeted. the job required 846 square miles of stain-resistant carpet and cost $38,000. padding and installation were included. it's a sort of reddish-brown medium shag. it's nice.
Profile Image for Jake Parent.
Author 4 books34 followers
September 3, 2014
This book came out when I was in high school and really lost.

I just kept reading the pages over and over again, laughing harder each time.

It a hilarious look at American society just before 9/11 and a reminder that we haven't changed as much as we think.
Profile Image for Lorelei.
11 reviews23 followers
July 3, 2010
Added ten years to my life from laughing. If I read more, I might become immortal. This may be the book that I hold closest to my heart.
Profile Image for Timb.
68 reviews4 followers
May 7, 2015
a bit outdated, but overall very dumb and fun.
Profile Image for Eric.
16 reviews
December 23, 2008
Is this book still available? Did they have to edit out all of the shitty Cranberries songs? Who Cares. This is a good book. It includes vital info for travelling like all of the regional slang for Heroin and important tales on getting along with elitist punk rockers. Its not to be missed, ADD TO YOUR "TO READ LIST" TODAY!
Profile Image for Murphy.
17 reviews
March 1, 2011
If you find yourself getting tired on a long trip, just roll up the windows, crank the heat, and turn on smooth jazz. hahahah!

Still my prized/favorite book and one I look back on frequently whenever I need a laugh or a good memory.
179 reviews
May 14, 2012
I feel like a weirdo but I just did not get this book. I love The State show and their group is so funny but this book was just too strange for me. There were funny parts but mostly I was just confused.
Profile Image for Michelle.
16 reviews
February 5, 2023
This is a tricky review. There are times, that are laugh out loud funny. Then there are the times I felt I couldn't read fast enough to get through the joke. If you like The State, Stella, or Reno 911 it's worth giving it a try.
4 reviews
October 3, 2008
This book was absolutely hilarious. I lauged at every page...the tips for avoiding a traffic ticket and the story of the Jim, who was hell with his fists, were priceless.
Profile Image for Josh.
18 reviews
December 6, 2011
A great read if you enjoy the nascent peter-panism of The State and you can track down a copy.
Profile Image for Ed.
57 reviews5 followers
February 10, 2014
There are some funny lines, to be sure, but at this point your nostalgia is probably better served by just watching old episodes of The State rather than reading this book.
Profile Image for Gary Kenny.
11 reviews2 followers
September 5, 2015
One of the funniest books about each American state I've ever read. If you love satire comedy and the movie wet hot American summer then check this out.
Profile Image for Jill.
459 reviews3 followers
February 22, 2016
I read this entire book while waiting at red lights. Funny, but crude. F-Bombs abound. Not for the faint-hearted.
Profile Image for Nicole.
100 reviews34 followers
March 18, 2020
My love for The State knows no bounds...
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews

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